A SPONSORED toddle in Ipswich's Christchurch Park raised more than £120 for the town's branch of Mencap thanks to the bright idea of a four-year-old.

A SPONSORED toddle in Ipswich's Christchurch Park raised more than £120 for the town's branch of Mencap thanks to the bright idea of a four-year-old.

Madison Woods, the granddaughter of Barbara Thorn, chairwoman of Ipswich Mencap, has been watching her family organise weird and wacky fundraising events for the charity for years and this time it was her turn.

A group of youngsters completed a circuit around the perimeter of the park on Sunday in fancy dress in aid of the learning disability charity.

Even Madison's dog Tess joined in the fancy dress theme by wearing some sunglasses and a tiara.

Mrs Thorn, who also took part in the event, said: “Madison said she wanted to walk round the park for the charity so that's how it came about.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed it. They weren't just walking - they were rolling down the hills and having great fun. At the end we gave them a certificate each and an ice cream.”

The money will go towards supporting a respite care bungalow in Kesgrave. The cost of the project has reached £140,000 so the charity has been holding various fundraising events, including sponsored swims and five-aside football matches.

Mrs Thorn said: “Respite care homes are vital for carers. When you are caring for someone 24-hours-a-day it is important to get a break.”